I performed a search and didn't find anything on this forum regarding lawn substitutes. I would sure appreciate some advice on what to plant in our yard instead of grass. I live in Oregon and we get rain in the winter, but it's the baking hot summer sun that does our lawn in. I'm so sick of the brown dead looking yard (clear down to the dirt in most spots) all summer long. We are on a well and do not want to water much at all in the summer, certainly not enough to make any grass happy. Is there any substitute for lawn grass that is pretty and hopefully green which doesn't need much water and can take foot traffic? Am I dreaming the impossible dream? Any help would be most appreciated. Thank you.

LauraBC: The area in question is about 1600 sq. feet of flat area. There are no trees to speak of yet (tho I've planted some) but none large enough to shade. We have rocky soil and the yard is in full hot Oregon sun all day long, all summer long. We live on the top of a hill. I will try the creeping thyme in some spots. Sounds fun. I have wooly thyme and blue star creeper in other areas and they are thriving. Thank you much!

For your needs I would look at "Elphin Thyme". It's a dense, low growing (very low) mat that loves foot traffic. It does really well here in Truckee.

Good luck,
-S